Dr Alison Hey-Cunningham

Research Fellow, Obstetrics, Gynaecology &amp Neonatology, The University of Sydney Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health

Telephone

+61 2 9036 3127

Fax

+61 2 9036 3188

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Biographical details

My work focuses on developing a better understanding of endometriosis, with the aim of leading to improved treatments and a better quality of life for women affected by this common disease.

Endometriosis affects 10-15% of women, causing significant pain and suffering, and is a major financial burden on Australian society.

When women have the disease, tissue like the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows in places it shouldn't. These growths (endometriotic lesions) cause pain and can make it difficult for women to get pregnant.

The cause of endometriosis is unknown and how it leads to pain and infertility is poorly understood.

My research looks at what is going wrong in endometriosis and how it causes these distressing and sometimes debilitating symptoms.

Better understanding of the disease will help improve treatment and quality of life for women with endometriosis in future.